Course Writer, Physical Therapy

Job Description:

1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION

Position Name: Course Writer, Adjunct Faculty

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt, Non-bargaining

FTE: Variable

Work Hours: Variable

Department/Division: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Supervisor: Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

2. POSITION SUMMARY

To facilitate the development of a new Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the University of Western States (UWS) is seeking adjunct faculty members to create course content and serve as instructors in the program. While most course writers will also teach the course (if interested), we are open to PT content experts providing only course creation.

Courses planned for development include (but not limited to):

• Applied Physiology
• Foundational Skills
• Neuroscience
• Clinical Skills Laboratory

Compensation:

• Course writing: $1230 per credit
• Course delivery: per credit, to be determined

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Create course content and resources including lectures, presentations, assignments, learning activities, assessments, and other elements specified. 75% (initial course creation)

• Work closely with the program director to ensure that all course materials meet program standards for quality and rigor.
• Work with instructional design staff to ensure that all course materials are consistent with best practices and are compatible with the UWS learning management system (LMS).
• Work with the program director to ensure that all course materials and assessments align with course student learning outcomes, program learning outcomes, and accreditation standards assigned to the course.
• Identify outside resources to be used for assigned reading/viewing, supporting resources and optional exploration opportunities.

Contribute material for use in the program’s culminating assessments. 5% (initial course creation)

Coordinate successful course delivery. 10% (initial course creation)

• Provide key course documents (e.g., syllabus, discussion forum guidelines, assessment, etc.) according to specified deadlines.

Continuing education and professional development. 5% (initial course creation)

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of research and clinical practice developments in areas relevant to the course content.
• Attend trainings, faculty meetings and other professional development activities as assigned.

Other duties as assigned. 5% (initial course creation)

4. UWS CORE VALUES AND ASSOCIATED COMPETENCIES

The following Core Values are integral to working at UWS. All employees, regardless of their position within the university, are expected uphold the Core Values and demonstrate associated competencies.

Best Practices

We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines. To accomplish this, We:

• Seek out and use relevant data to inform our decision-making.
• Incorporate peer-reviewed research and professional experiences into academic discourse and patient care.
• Promote student learning through excellence in instruction and assessment.

Curiosity

We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking. To accomplish this, We: 

• Approach our work with curiosity, inquisitiveness and willingness to think outside the box.

• Value and consider new ideas and ask, “What if...?”
• Remain open to change in order to advance and improve.

Inclusiveness

We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing. To accomplish this, We:

• Actively listen to diverse perspectives and value different viewpoints and experiences.
• Promote the equity of ideas, resources, power, and identity for all.
• Gather information and input from diverse groups to develop a common vision, improve policies and practices, and advance institutional goals.

Professionalism

We are responsible, respectful, and accountable. To accomplish this, We:

• Demonstrate civility in all our interactions, especially when there are disagreements or differing opinions.
• Take ownership of our speech, conduct, demeanor, and deliverables.
• Adhere to established policies, procedures, agreements, and deadlines.
• Act as thoughtful stewards of the university and its resources.

Student-Focus

We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success. To accomplish this, We:

• Incorporate student feedback to improve academics and university services.
• When making university decisions, we ask: What effect will that have on students?
• Seek to understand the students’ experience through their eyes.

Whole-Person Health

We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience. To accomplish this, We:

• Intentionally cultivate environments that support work-life balance.

• Consider personal and community wellness in decision-making.
• Maintain rigorous academic standards while supporting the health and well-being of our students.
• Include a range of health modalities in the classroom and clinic.

5. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Education & Training

• Degree from a US-accredited physical therapy program.

Certifications & Licenses

• Physical Therapist Oregon OT License effective by start date (if teaching course).
• Official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning within 30 days of hire

Experience

• Prior experience teaching in either a clinical or academic setting.
• Documentation of PT experience in course-related content area

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with general computing tasks (word processing, presentation software, email, internet searching, research database navigation, etc.).
• Experience with one or more of the following systems: Canvas, Panopto, Zoom.

Other Qualifications

• Professional interpersonal skills including effective verbal and written communication.
• Effective management of faculty and students in professional degree programs. 
• Comfortable presenting in recorded and live formats.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize/ execute plans and resource management to achieve desired teaching outcomes. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and assume responsibility in clinical decision making.
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and learn new systems and processes.
• Willingness and ability to follow direction from director, dean, administrators as consistent with university policy.
• Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.

Preferred

Education & Training

• Post-Professional OTD, PhD, or EdD

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Online learning theory and best practices.
• Adult learning theory and best practices.
• Experience with one or more of the following educational technologies: online library systems, lecture capture, video conferencing/telepresence tools, electronic assessment systems, lab simulation tools.

University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.